What is an Orthopaedic Technologist?

The Certified Orthopaedic Technologist (OTC) is a specifically trained allied health care individual who assists the orthopaedic surgeon in the practice of medicine. An OTC is an extension of the orthopaedic surgeon and assists in the care of sick and disabled persons. OTCs must have the ability to relate well to other people, be considerate of their conditions and able to communicate with patients in understanding their anxieties and fears. An OTC is familiar with routine office and departmental procedures and is able to perform certain basic nursing functions.

An expert in plaster and synthetic cast application, an OTC is responsible for instructing patients about the dangers of this form of treatment. An OTC has the skill to remove casts with care and fragility, is equipped with the general principles of traction techniques, prepares or sets up specific types of traction requested by the orthopaedic surgeon and is able to assess patients in traction, detect deficiencies in the apparatus and make adjustments as necessary.

The OTC may perform as a first assistant to the orthopaedic surgeon in the operating suite. To do this, the OTCs must understand medical and surgical asepsis. This would include preparing for surgical procedures, assembling and preparing the fracture table to the specifications of the orthopaedic surgeon.

The OTC is able to fit and adjust canes, crutches and walkers, as well as give patients instruction on the use of these walking aids. Other important responsibilities of the OTC are the ability to apply simple braces, prosthetics, perform minor adjustments and repairs, as well as fabricate splints for various conditions under the direction of the orthopaedic surgeon.

All of these important duties fall under the realm of a Certified Orthopaedic Technologist.

[ Go to Top of Page]